Chapter 9
The towering flames opened like a demon’s bloody maw as scorching heat surged forward, warping the very air and nearly engulfing everyone nearby
Alexander dropped to his knees before the collapsed attic, his kneecaps cracking against broken stones. His eyes reflected unspeakable agony and despair
Not far away, in the chaotic crowd, a pair of eyes watched him from beneath a wide hat brim
Bailey, wrapped in a soot–covered servant’s uniform with her hat pulled low to hide her face, silently walked toward the exit
With the estate in such disarray, no one noticed her departure
Later that night, in a dingy motel room permeated with damp and mildew, Hailey curled up on a creaking bed, her nails digging into her palms
The cold light from the television screen illuminated her face as the news anchor’s precise voice cut like a dull knife:
[On the evening of May 21st, a fire broke out at the renowned entrepreneur Alexander Winters‘ Oakridge Estate, resulting in one person missing and five injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation..
Then the broadcast switched to footage from the scene
On screen, the estate burned amid towering flames. The luxurious banquet hall and sun drenched terrace had been reduced to blackened ruins.]]
The fire had erupted suddenly, intensified by the night wind. This century–old estate had been burned beyond recognition ||
Because the fire occurred during a party attended by many prominent figures, everyone’s cars had blocked the entrance, preventing fire trucks from entering promptly. This resulted in more extensive damage and five security guards being injured while fighting the fire]
Additionally, one person was reported missing
The r report didn’t specify the missing person’s identity]
However, Bailey knew it was her.
Others might not know the truth about the fire, but she did: this fire wasn’t an accident–it was deliberately ordered by Stella
Fortunately, fate had given her a chance
Despite the excruciating pain, she had managed to break free from her ropes near the attic window and slide down a drainage pipe.]
The flames had singed her Lair and burned her clothes. So she had hidden in the servants quarters and put on a housekeeper’s uniform.]
During her escape, the entire estate was in such chaos that no one noticed her.
However, after escaping, Bailey faced new challenges; she had left with nothing but the clothes on her back. Her only cash came from a small apartment she’d secretly visited
Now that Alexander realized she hadn’t died in the fire, he was already using his connections to monitor all flights, trains, and other transportation out of the city:
She didn’t dare contact her parents, fearing Alexander would threaten their safety again
She couldn’t apply for identification documents either–Alexander’s influence in NY meant any exposure would lead to her capture.]
She couldn’t even approach old friends, afraid of bringing trouble to them
So she could only live like a sewer rat in a cheap motel in the urban village, afraid to show her face
But as days passed, Bailey’s money dwindled while her hatred burned like wildfire ||
Why should this happen to her?]
She had simply fallen in love, entered a marriage, and now found herself brutalized by this despicable couple.
Her parents injured, her child lost, a fire survived. And now she had even lost her identity[]
The desire for revenge grew increasingly powerful in her heart
But how could she get revenge?
Bailey placed her hand on her belly, memories of the operating table flashing through her mind–the undeveloped body, pulled out with forceps. placed on a stainless steel tray, the tiny fingers seeming to twitch.
She closed her eyes, her teeth chattering quietly
Knock! Knock! Knock
Three sharp raps at the door. [
Bailey’s heart skipped a beat as she warily looked toward the entrance.]
She had been living under an alias in this rundown motel that didn’t even require ID registration–no one should be looking for her.
Who could be at the door?]
The first person Bailey thought of was Alexander.||
Had he found her?]
But she couldn’t be sure.
Even more terrifying was the possibility of Stella’s people.]
Alexander had merely humiliated her, but Stella wanted her dead.
Bailey trembled as she opened the window
Having been kidnapped so many times, she had developed an expertise in escaping
After checking into this room, she had quickly mapped out escape routes. From the second floor window, she could climb down the drainage pipe and quickly disappear into the alleys.
However, what her mind could handle, her body couldn’t execute.]]
The window made a harsh scraping sound as it opened.]
The next second, the flimsy door was kicked open
Bailey’s heart raced frantically as panic overwhelmed her. Only one thought flashed through her mind: No escape!]]
What was the point of living like this anyway?
A life of constant hiding, perpetual fear–it was li
like a giant hand choking her throat.
Bailey didn’t even look back, almost closing her eyes as she let herself fall backward.]
However, in that moment of falling, she regretted her decision.
How could she die so cowardly?
If she had to die, she should at least take one of them with her to avenge her child
The next second, her arm was firmly grabbed
She looked up to see a face contorted with effort.
Then more black suited bodyguards rushed to the window, pulling her back into the room
Bailey collapsed on the flour, her face already wet with tears[]
An expensive pair of Italian leather shoes appeared before her eyes, polished to perfection, immaculate
Above them were straight gray pants encasing long legs
Bailey raised her head to meet a pair of sharp yet charming eyes:[]
“Bailey Cox, would you like to make a deal?
